utter misery

USAGE SUMMARY

"utter misery" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a state of extreme suffering or distress. Example: The war-torn country was in a state of utter misery, with its citizens facing poverty, starvation, and constant violence.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I don't fight the utter misery of civilian aviation today.

The New York Times

"The England Tour Of Utter Misery eh?" writes John Starbuck.

The Guardian - Sport

And so millions (mainly women) endured lives of utter misery in marriages that verged on torture.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It was two years of utter misery which changed her life and the family's life very drastically," says Ms. Podell.

The New York Times

Morgan b Maxwell 4 (England 51-4) Welcome to the latest instalment of the England Tour Of Utter Misery.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite being surrounded by medical professionals, it took three years of utter misery before my problem was taken seriously.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Eileen Atkins finds first nights "complete and utter miseries".

The Guardian

Have you ever stopped to wonder, in a moment of utter woe and misery, if perhaps all the sorrows in your life are caused not by fate, but by a flaky, oily, potato-based food often served with sour cream and applesauce?

Princeton University

As Isaiah knew him, Israel's God did not fit into the picture of utter injustice and consequent misery rampant in 8th-century Israel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it has done democracy a huge disservice during four years when its members lined their pockets, while displaying utter indifference to the misery faced by many Pakistanis.

The Economist

The demonstrations quickly spread across the country, building off everything from misery inflicted by a devastating drought in the countryside to the utter unaccountability of security forces in rural regions long neglected by Mr. Assad's state.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "utter misery" to emphasize the extreme nature of suffering or unhappiness. It is more impactful than simply stating "misery".

Common error

Avoid using "utter misery" in situations that are only mildly unpleasant. It's a strong phrase that should be reserved for genuinely dire circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "utter misery" functions as a noun phrase, where "utter" intensifies the noun "misery". It serves to describe a state or condition characterized by extreme suffering and unhappiness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

8%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "utter misery" effectively communicates a profound state of suffering, suitable for formal and neutral contexts, as Ludwig AI confirms. Its frequency in news and media highlights its role in describing dire situations, while related phrases like "complete despair" and "profound suffering" offer nuanced alternatives. Remember to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for circumstances where the level of suffering is truly extreme. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in describing personal hardships, societal issues, and tragic events, emphasizing its power to evoke empathy and highlight severity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sheer wretchedness

Highlights the state of being extremely unhappy or unfortunate.

extreme sorrow

Highlights the great depth of sadness and unhappiness.

profound suffering

Emphasizes the depth and intensity of the pain experienced, whether physical or emotional.

unbearable pain

Emphasizes that the level of pain experienced is so intense that it is difficult to endure.

intense anguish

Captures the severe mental or physical suffering caused by extreme grief or anxiety.

complete despair

Focuses on the total loss of hope and the feeling of being overwhelmed by negative emotions.

unmitigated grief

Stresses that there is no lessening or relieving the sorrow.

abject desolation

Implies a state of utter loneliness, abandonment, and ruin.

deep affliction

Implies a state of great suffering or distress caused by an external source.

total devastation

Focuses on the complete destruction and overwhelming shock caused by a catastrophic event.

FAQs

How can I use "utter misery" in a sentence?

You can use "utter misery" to describe states of extreme suffering, for example: "The refugees lived in "utter misery" after losing their homes".

What are some alternatives to "utter misery"?

Alternatives include "complete despair", "profound suffering", or "sheer wretchedness", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "misery" and "utter misery"?

"Utter misery" emphasizes the extreme and complete nature of the suffering, making it a more intense expression than simply "misery".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "utter misery"?

Use "utter misery" when describing situations of intense distress, suffering, or hardship, where the level of unhappiness is profound and all-encompassing.